Brattan's high praise for Melbourne City squad

LUKE Brattan labelled Melbourne City's "scary" squad better than the golden era of Brisbane Roar, but said it didn't make it a better team.

City hosts Perth Glory in Sunday's elimination final at AAMI Park after stumbling into fourth spot, with best squads near full-strength and Socceroo Rhys Williams named for the visitors.

Brattan, a midfield distribution maestro, was part of the Brisbane squad that won three titles and is widely regarded as the best team in A-League history.

He said City's team was frightening on paper but declared talent alone does not win titles.

"This squad is better than the one we had in Brisbane. I know it's hard to say that, but the quality we have all over the park is phenomenal," Brattan said.

"I didn't say it's a better team, it's an all around better squad. That doesn't mean you'll win more games, score more points.

"I know we can do things when we play well, when we all gel it's scary and we see that each day at training.

"The quality we have in the squad is unbelievable but sometimes that's not enough. It's about heart, the will to win.

"I think we've got that, this is the time you need that, finals brings that out in everyone.

"Sydney's squad is not the best squad, but they're a good group, consistent and they've broken records. That's a credit to them.

"It's hard to describe but the individuals we've got in this squad are phenomenal and it's rare to get that in a squad with the salary cap."

Brattan said City's talented bunch had to win the physical battle over a Glory side that was dangerous on the counter attack with a star three-pronged forward line.

He added that City had to tighten up defensively after last week's "strange" game, a 5-4 loss away to Glory.

"They're physical, dangerous from set pieces, they cheat a bit upfront and hit you on the counter and when you've got the quality of (Diego) Castro, (Andy) Keogh and (Adam) Taggart making forward runs they're dangerous.

"But we're more than capable of stopping them and we'll definitely do that.

"The game in Perth was very strange, to have a clean slate is fantastic and we'll take every opportunity we can to get another piece of silverware.

"We can score, we're extremely dangerous in the final third but it's about not conceding, defence wins games. It'll be vital in finals to defend well."